Ibstock United Football Club, Ibstock, Leicestershire

Formally known as Ibstock Welfare FC, based at Leicester Road, the Seniors’ Football Club needed new changing facilities in line with league guidelines. They asked to link with the Juniors’ Football Club, at Ashby Road, to develop these facilities and create a pathway for younger players to progress.

A new clubhouse, the David Wilson Clubhouse, was therefore built for the juniors – with support from the David Wilson Foundation and the Football Foundation – which included changing rooms, a function room, kitchen and car park.

But the clubhouse has become much more than just a focus for football. Since the closure of Ibstock Church Hall, the community see it as a new place to meet and socialise. Those already using the building include Leicestershire County Council’s day-group for people with special needs; Ibstock Parish Council for their meetings; the Britain In Bloom Committee; the Knitting Group; and local people for functions such as children’s parties.

Meanwhile, the Juniors’ Football Club has expanded its activities: it now caters for children aged between 5 – 15 years of age and for girls’ football, the fastest growing sport in Britain. The Saturday Morning Mini Dribblers Academy was recently described as the best start Academy for children aged 5 and 6 by the County Football Association.

The new David Wilson Clubhouse has made the Ibstock United Juniors’ Football Club one of the best facilities in Leicestershire for children’s football.

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